Mom & Me Retreat

Are you a single mom? Family Life has a chance for you to win an amazing weekend away with up to three of your children. You'll relax and recharge, while creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Just comment below and share your favorite Single Mom Memory. It might make us laugh, or make us cry. We want to hear how you're pressing on while raising a family on your own.

One winner will receivea Mom & Me Retret at Houghton College and Letchworth State Park June 1st through 3rd. You'll swim, cook s'mores, and even go white water rafting. It's a weekend of all new memories, just waiting for you.

Steve, Rachelle & Randy will announce the grand prize winner Monday, May 14th. Since your entry below does not allow a means for us to contact you, be sure to tune in to find out if you win. Also be sure to leave your name in your entry, so we can identify you on the air.

Comments

Your Comments(please keep them on topic and polite)

on 05.07.12 Michelle Rogers commented

I became a single mom 2 years ago when my husband left me. I have 2 sons. One is currently 17 and the other is 14. My youngest son and I always have been pretty good together. He struggled with the separation but he was always willing to talk to me about things and what was going on. There were times when we had troubles together but for the most part we could talk. My oldest though was very distant. He would never hug me or talk to me about much and never told me that he loved me. June of 2010 we joined a new church and I was very active in the youth group. Both of my children attended youth group. I was really hoping that having God stronger in our lives would help our situation. July of 2011 my oldest and I had the oppurtunity to be able to attend Lift camp with our church. On the third night at camp there was a speaker that talked about letting things go and making things right with people. When I looked at my son I saw him crying. I went to him and put my arms around him. He hugged me for 30 minutes and we both just cried. I looked at him and told him that I loved him very much and for the first time in I can't remember how long he told me that he loved me. I felt like that was the first time in a year and half I finally had my son back. He had been so through much and finally I felt as if we were making progress. He also made the decision to go to 4 years of bible college and become a pastor. God really answered my prayers that week. I prayed for weeks before camp that God would help my son find him the way I had and He did, more than I had expected. We all three still attend the same church and am growing in our faith more and more everyday. My oldest has gone through discipleship 1 and my youngest is currently going through it. Our family as the three of us grows everyday and struggle everyday but we know with Gods help we will be ok. God has really blessed my life with two wonderful sons and I am greatful for all that he has done for us and continues to do for us.

on 05.07.12 Smiling & Crying commented

What a beatiful story! GOD loves us so much and it is difficult some times to see it, but when you let him run your life, He blesses you beyond imagination!!! I hope you win the trip and have a wonderful weekend with your sons!!! GOD bless you!

on 05.07.12 Kisha Johnson commented

My mother spent our entire lives as a single parent. My father was in and out of my sister and my lives several times, and after my mother settled in and married at 19yrs old, her older husband was then convicted of a terrible crime against children and sent to prison for 2 consecutive life sentences. My mother fought hard and long to raise the 4 of us on our own, and then later, adding one more to the mix, she raised 5 of us on her own. Even though she was on all sorts of public assistance, we lived in public housing, and often relied on government assistance to off-set her part time income as a cleaning woman, we never realized that 'pancakes' for dinner was simply because we lacked anything else to eat. God always provides!

My best memory of my mom was after I was about 13yrs old, and I had saved all of the money I could from babysitting, and I took her to lunch. It was the first time I could do that for her, and it was so exciting. I remember when the bill came I was about $3 short, and devastated. When my mom tried to reassure me that it was ok, and if I'd just run home and get "Herman", our big coin piggy bank, we could pay that last $3. The waitress heard our conversation and worked some magic, and made the bill come up just slightly under the $3 we owed, so that I could pay the bill myself.

My mother worked hard, and took every moment life handed her, never forgetting God above and I am so proud to call my mom, "Friend". I am now 37 yrs old, and a single mom to a 20yr old myself - both my mother and I serve God with all of our hearts. Even though my mother finally met the love of her life, happily married (5) years ago, and moved 3 hrs away - we still have our weekly chats on the phone, and I make sure to "take her to lunch" EVERY opportunity I get. I LOVE MY MOM! :)

on 05.07.12 Carol Robinson commented

My mama always took in the neigborhood kids growing up! She never knew whos behind was poking out the refrigerator door, her own kids or one of our friends. It didn't matter though, she would just smile and make sure they were finding everything OK. My siblings and I had many friends who didn't have the best home life and they knew that my mom was their mom whenever they needed her, it made me feel so proud to be her daughter! She was, and still is, alwys so creative in the way she let us play, a sink full of water and our Barbies had a pool party! Blocks sut out of wood scraps, plastic toy soldiers and rubber bands, the living room became a war-zone and she could be found right in the middle of it laughing hysterically! She didn't have to make us mind, we wanted to because we knew we were loved and respected too! I hope I can be half the woman of Faith and love that she is! Oh, and Michelle Rogers who wrote her story above, she is my best friend and my mom loves her like her own! we joke that Michelle is my adopted sister and I want to say that Michelle, I am so thankful to God for how youa nd the boys have grown together in the faith! You are a wonderful mom! And to my Mama, I love you so much words cannot express it!!

on 05.07.12 Brian Steward commented

OK, I am a single parent. I try hard, but it isn't easy. I am VERY happy to say Carol (above) is my next door neighbor and we go to the same church. I love her like a sister. She is right about her mom and since I am commenting....The very 1st post "Michelle Rogers" is a very heart wrenching story, especially since I was at that very same camp and witnessed that family growing back together with God's guidance! I know to most the of the people who read this, it is a just another story, but if you could hear her tell the story in person, you can feel the power of the story and know the Holy Spirit was moving. Michelle has added so much to our church, it is funny to hear her say we are the blessing. GOD is AWESOME. I know there are so many single parent families, but I hope Michelle wins. This would be such a great treat for your family.
MATT 5:16

on 05.07.12 Jackie Garcia commented

I have been a single mom for many years. I left my husband when my daughter was 14 and my 2 boys were 5 & 1. They are now 26, 17, & 13.I left with nothing (it was truly a life threatening situation) and relied FULLY on God! He has met everyone of our needs and then some (above and beyond).I remember back when we were first on our own and struggling very badly financially and my older son, then 5 asked me, "Mom, someday can we get a pizza?' I just truly broke my heart. BUT God has come through in SO many areas in our lives. I ended up getting the perfect job (teaching at the christian school my kids attended) and another part time job (making phone calls from home) We were able to get on our feet we bought our house and ALL my kids are AMAZING!! They are all strong in their faith in Jesus Christ. My daughter graduated from high school #4 in her class. My oldest son is graduating Salutatorian this June and my youngest is graduating from 8th grade with high honors. We are just following after Christ letting Him lead the way!! Thank You Father God!!!!

on 05.08.12 Erin Maney commented

I have been a single mom for almost three years to my two daughters, ages 7 and 11. While I have many, many challenging times and moments of loneliness, my favorite times are coming home to them each day and getting the biggest hugs. I am so grateful that God allows me to be able to be with my children every day. Their dad lives 1300 miles away and we don't share weekends like other divorced families, so I am the full-time parent. My girls and I do everything together! What I also love best are the funny moments that pull us though. Their personalities resonate in their humorous commentaries on life which I have been documenting on Twitter. Please stop by http://twitter.com/#!/pookanpeanut I hope their insights will brighten your day as they always do mine. God gave me the biggest blessings with these two amazing girls!

on 05.08.12 Etido Udousoro commented

Am a single Mom with one daughter, I have been single for 9yrs after my marriage ended due to domestic violence.
My most memorable single mom moment was when my daughter was about 15 months and was just getting potting trained and I had to take her with me to school ( I was completing my masters program at the time) I had her bottles prepared and in her diaper bag, i got her dressed and was getting ready to leave for the bus stop( i didnt drive at the time) as I opened the door to leave, my daughter pooped, I mean serious poop, it soaked her clothes and went all the way up her back!, I had to go back in to the apt, joggling the stroller, school bag and diaper bag, back up the stairs, take her clothes off, wash her in the tub, ( the whole time she had the most beautiful smile on her face!, very heart warming)and get her into clean clothes, needless to say,I was hopelessly late for class, I had missed my bus and had to wait for the next bus when i finally made it to the bus stop.
I was so overwhelmed with everything, I just sat at the bus stop and cried, My daughter did something I will never forget, she got out tissue and wiped my eyes (am tearing up, just remebering) and gave me a hug.
Till today , I believe God used her to wipe my tears and let me know everything will be ok, and am happy to say , today, everything IS OK.
My baby is now 10yrs old! I would never exchange being a mom for any other job, LOL, Its crazy sometimes, but its well worth it.

on 05.08.12 Etido Udousoro commented

Am a single Mom with one daughter, I have been single for 9yrs after my marriage ended due to domestic violence.
My most memorable single mom moment was when my daughter was about 15 months and was just getting potting trained and I had to take her with me to school ( I was completing my masters program at the time) I had her bottles prepared and in her diaper bag, i got her dressed and was getting ready to leave for the bus stop( i didnt drive at the time) as I opened the door to leave, my daughter pooped, I mean serious poop, it soaked her clothes and went all the way up her back!, I had to go back in to the apt, joggling the stroller, school bag and diaper bag, back up the stairs, take her clothes off, wash her in the tub, ( the whole time she had the most beautiful smile on her face!, very heart warming)and get her into clean clothes, needless to say,I was hopelessly late for class, I had missed my bus and had to wait for the next bus when i finally made it to the bus stop.
I was so overwhelmed with everything, I just sat at the bus stop and cried, My daughter did something I will never forget, she got out tissue and wiped my eyes (am tearing up, just remebering) and gave me a hug.
Till today , I believe God used her to wipe my tears and let me know everything will be ok, and am happy to say , today, everything IS OK.
My baby is now 10yrs old! I would never exchange being a mom for any other job, LOL, Its crazy sometimes, but its well worth it.

on 05.08.12 Angela Huntington commented

August 31, 2008 my 3 daughters and I went to Darien Lake with 4 tickets we had been given. While there I had a chance to stand inline to open an ice cream sandwhich and if specially marked the prize was a new car. My girls waited for me a few feet away and as I was about to pick out my sandwhich my oldest daughter, then age 16 ran to me and said my then 11 year old was on the ground. I looked over and could see a few people around her, she had fainted and had a seizure, paramedics arrived and said they had to rush her to the hospital that her blood pressure was dangerously low and I was escorted by security to my vehicle while they readied her in an ambulance. My other two daughters and I got into my 1997 pontiac sunfire and as I pulled out of the parking space, my exhaust dropped in the middle in such a way I couldn't drive it dragging it forward like that. I instructed the ambulance to go, I ran to the maintenance area and desperatley asked a man to help me wire it up. He did , in minutes I was on my way. There was no explaination for that seizure or fainting, it never happened before, nor ever again. Being the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps " type mom I am, I stopped at an auto store, grabbed some cheap flex pipe and returned to Darien Lake since we hadn't even rode one ride. The girls didn't really want to since that experience was so bad at the time, but I didn't want that memory to end that way and knowing I could not afford tickets to come again any time soon, We went back and enjoyed that day as best and cautiously slow as we could. We can ALMOST laugh about it now, the irony of it all. And we can see the protection of God in that situation, the comfort of the Holy Spirit keeping me calm and we are so thankful. When it seems that everything that could fall apart IS, we remember who God IS, and nothing is impossible with Him and He will give us strength and grace in that time of need. We came through that and many other trials over the years and with memories I wouldn't trade for anything.

on 05.09.12 Diane Arosen commented

It is so wonderful to hear all of these "Christian women" speaking of being single mothers, it is something I have struggled with over the past 13 years, becasue this "doesn't happen to Christians." My "Christian husband" left my daughters and I for a woman "he met in the Church Choir." Worse of all, her parents (who also attended our church) opened their door to this married man. I was the "last" to know of this relastionship because apparently the entire church knew of it and tried numerous times to intervene and sent both my husband, his girlfriend and her parents on the right path. In the mean time, my husband at the time, relocated from NJ to VA and shortly after so did the girlfriend AND her parents.

I can not say I have a lot of "happy" memories during that time as unfortunately, my eldest daughter at the time (and my parents) did a lot of taking care of me and the household. When our divorce was final and I could no longer afford to live in NJ I relocated my daughters and I to PA. I commuted for 4 months 2 to 3 hours one way, when a crisis arose and I realized being that far from my daughters was too dangerous. I left a job that I absolutely loved as a Special Education teacher and took a job in the city 15 minutes away. God had his hand in ths as it helped me provide the time to car poor my daughters to after school activities. One was in the Color Guard and the other was a twirler. This allowed us each time together (separately) to talk and communicate which I would not have been able to do with my former job. With the change in jobs I have lost over $200,000 over the last 7 years in salary and even though life is a struggle financially and I have had to refinance our townhome, God has a purpose and has provided.

My eldest daughter (now 22) excels in school but not to the determent of her health. Last summer (the day after finals) she had an epileptic seizure and due to the stress she puts on herself with studies, she has had several throughout this past school year. In the Fall she student teaches and will graduates from college but the Fall will really be the determing factor IF she will be able to finish her college career and if she will be able to maintain a job as a teacher with the stress that teaching has.

Her sister, on the other hand, is not a great student and by the grace of God and a wonderful program for "under achievers and children that come from "inner cities" was accepted into college (the same college her sister goes to). However, her father has refused to pay for her to go to college and I have had to refinance my house in order to pay for her tuition these past 3 semesters. Needless to say, this has left a tremendous hurt and scar on her heart as the only one she wants to prove herself to IS HER FATHER and yet he continues to slap her in her face over and over again, not to mention, sees both girls once every other year or once a year.

The hardest thing to deal with however throughout this entire nightmare, is the girls have "left the church." They pray every day and every night but find going to "church" difficult even though we are at a different church than the church "we" attended as a family. As much as both girls are very wise and smart, they have not gotten over the divorce and what their father did in the "building of God's home." My prayer for all those who read this, is to pray for my daughters for them to realize that their father's actions has nothing to do with God, and the fact that it occurred in God's house, should not interfere with their faith that God has a plan for "us" and being together as a "family" at church is important and something God would want. I know in their hearts they are both "good Christian" girls but they can not get past the part of the "building" where the affair took place and do feel God let them down. Please pray that God will show them the truth and open their hearts to attend church with me this summer when they return from college.

Thank you all for your prayers and mostly for knowing that I am not the "only Christian Mom" going through single parenthood - I am sure it is not what ANY ONE OF US ever thought would haoppen to us when we pledged our vows before God.

Blessings to all

Diane

on 05.09.12 Noelle commented

I have been a single mom since the day my daughter was born 9 years ago. I have been richly blessed by God in these 9 years, counting blessings and trials we have had to go through together. As I daily take on the challengs of parenthood, working and all the things with having a place and a family on my own, I know that our life is much better with the Lord being the Head of our household and not her father. My relationship with my daughter has been rocky over the years, blaming me for walking away from her dad, although a life of drugs and drinking, stealing and no job was not a life I was going to give to my child. The Lord has put us in some turnmoils that have brought us closer together and stronger as a mother and daughter household. Blessings!

on 05.09.12 Joan Anderson commented

Hello Moms! I am amazed by the honesty shared here. The Retreat Team will be praying even more now that we have your stories to hold up to our Lord. You have made a difference just by writing to this blog. Keep on Keeping on and encougage others with your stories of victory.

on 05.09.12 Ruth Luongo commented

In December 2010, while pregnant with my eighth child I became a single mom as my dear husband of 16 years entered the presence of the Lord. When I knew he was dying, I wanted to die with him, but the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that I can’t die, He said: You are a mother and you are pregnant, you can’t die.” That’s when it hit me; I am a mother of seven and pregnant too! I’d say the most cherished memory I have is when my little girl, Brianna Michelle came into our world 4 months after her daddy, Brian’s, passing. She has been a source of healing for each and every one of us, and I thank God for all of my precious gifts. Losing my husband was the hardest trial I and my children ever had to endure, but I can say without fear of exaggeration that God’s amazing grace is truly that: AMAZING! Without Him in our lives, there would be no purpose to go on.

on 05.10.12 Danielle Martinez commented

I am somewhat new to this whole single mom thing as it has only been a little over a year. I am still trying to figure it out and work through it by the grace of God. I have always considered myself a hard-worker but this is a whole new ball game with working, maintaining a home and four children. I actually gave birth to my fourth child, a beautiful and healthy baby girl in January of this year which in all reality may have saved my life. She was by no means planned and the last thing I wanted after splitting from my husband, loosing my job, vehicle, credit and identity of who I was. The pregnancy was stressful and I felt selfish for bringing another child into this world while struggling to be a mom to the ones I allready had. Week 40 came quicker than I could have imagined and I was unprepared to say the least...the baby shower was less than a week before my due date and prior to that I had almost nothing to bring a baby home as I was ignoring the inevitable even though I should have been a pro at this by the fourth time. My 18 year-old sister had come into town for the baby shower hoping that I would have the baby before she had to return to college to begin the next semester. Two days before my due date (which also was the day whe was to return to college) I had a check-up. The appointment was at noon and I was feeling great with no signs of labor. When the midwife said I was 4-5cm dilated I was a little shocked but figured I had plenty of time because I felt fine and hey I was a pro at childbirth. We left the office and I very suddenly didn't feel the same with contractions soon beginning. My sister was excited and in a way so was I, but aprehensive also. I called the office to let them know and they wanted to see me back..but being a single-mom I informed them that I had to pick-up my daughters from school and would return after that, because I had done this before and wasn't to far from the hospital. So at 3:30pm we returned to the office only to find out I was about 5 cm and hadn't progressed much. My options were to go directly to the hospital or wait it out at home and since I was a pro at this I was not going to the hospital. We returned home with 3 kids and my nervous sister about 3:55pm. By the time we got home I believe, looking back, that I was in full-blown labor. I attempted to pack a bag but couldn't do much other than pace the floor and call on the name of the Lord repeatedly. By 4:30pm it was completely obvious I needed to get to the hospital so my sister rounded up the kids and made the long journey down the stairs and to the van. I struggled to make it to the van and couldn't help but push even though I knew I shouldn't. The 10 block trip to the hospital seemed miles away but my sister lives in NJ so her driving instinct kicked in..... At 4:45pm in the middle of the week we flew through a school zone with the 4ways on, passing cars, in a mini-van with the 3 children in the back (all plugging their ears) while I hollered and squeezed my sister's arm. My oldest who was 11 years old, was yelling for her to hurry and the 8 year old was directing her to pass the cars. We made it to the ER doors and since I was laying on my side I didn't even know the door behind me had opened. Two-nice volunteers (both older gentlemen) were standing there with a wheelchair and asked if I could get out of the van. I notified them that I was having a contraction and would as soon as I could. When I finally stood my water broke and I don't know who was more horrified- them or me. They got me upstairs just in time and at 5:02pm, with my children in the waiting room and my sister in tears we met the "miracle". She was born before I was registered, in a gown, or had an IV but she was born. I found out afterwards that she was born with what they call a "true-knot" in her cord and it is rare for a child to be born alive when the nutrients and oxygen are cut-off that way. She was also born "sunny-side up" which they say gives them an interesting perspective on life. When this child had all odds stacked against her for survival God had a plan for her. As for being a single-mom I had my kids wait in the waiting room less than 15 minutes before introducing them to a new sister....I'm not sure what the future holds but its okay because I know who holds the future.

on 05.12.12 Tammy Hutls commented

I have been a single mom of 4 children for going on 12 years. My Children and I have been through trial after trial. God has seen us through them all. Sever medical issues too Moves, To the loss of everything. This brings me to the instance I chose to write about. Two years ago on February 2ond,2010 A normal day of going to school and work turned into total shock. I was at work at the Coudersport Alliance Church Daycare. Putting my children down for their afternoon nap when my boss looked at me and said your house is on fire. I sat there and looked at her thinking she can’t be talking to me. She yelled which you don’t do at nap time and I proceeded to get up and run to my car. My house was on a side street. So when I The town cop saw me coming he moved be passed my street. There were two entrances to my side street. 7th street and 4th street. Both entrances are accesses able by bridge. The fourth street bridge is a walking bridge only. I pulled up to the bridge met by friends and hugs. I got in front of my house and realized I had beat the fire department there. I was about to try and walk in to see if i could save any of our pets and two propane tanks blew up. I stopped and just watched. This is the point were friends of mine on the fire department said I blacked out. My mom had gone to school to get my children because we always have faced things head on together. I have a mission to help kids and have done this for many years. I don’t ask questions, I don’t judge and guide and pray them though what they are going through. My family and I watched as the fire department worked for hours putting the fire out. After school let out the kids from the local school who I had helped or been part of their lives started pouring in. My heart was so touched all I could do was cry. I had saved my income tax that year to put a fence in the back yard for our dogs. Our fire was on a Tuesday and by some chance of a miracle on that Saturday was a 3 family auction. I went to the auction on total faith that God would provide everything we needed. We had $3,300.00. We had a wonderful time fellowshipping with the people and choosing what each of the kids and I wanted. The day after the auction God provided a 4 bedroom house for us to move into. This house had sat vacant for 4 years. People would come up to us and cry because of our loss. Yes it was sad, The animals we lost was heartbreaking. God new what he was doing, He cleaned out the clutter in our lives provided what we need and needed and taught us humility in the process. The community and our church has been an awesome and major support. I believe God has and always will see us through. Since there have been trials and health issues and even some heart break. God has not let us down nor will he. We are not rich in monetary means but Defiantly in Spiritual Blessings. No matter how bad it gets there can always be a positive found.
God bless
Tammy

on 05.12.12 Tammy Hults commented

Corrections, Definatly Spiritual Blessings. And the last Name, Fingers went faster than the brain. GOd new what I was saying.

on 05.13.12 Lynn Hannon commented

My good friend Peggy is the most amazing single mom my kids, husband and I know. She would be writing this contest entry herself if she ever had a minute to spare! Peggy has been divorced for 8 years and has a 13 year old daughter (need I say more!) and a 10-year old son with ADHD. Peggy herself has ADD and she teaches High School Special Ed. full time. If that isn't enough, Peggy helps to take care of her Deaf and Developmentally Disabled 50-year old brother and her aging parents who have several health problems. In addition, Peggy has on several occasions volunteered to have my 3 kids overnight so that my husband and I could have some time alone together. Through it all, Peggy is always upbeat and cheerful, eager to help others and amazing. So getting to the "single mom moment" this contest is about....it happened on another of Peggy's crazy busy, take care of everyone but yourself days that she realized she was out of ADD medicine. Knowing that she shouldn't do it but not having time to get a new script and get to pharmacy, she decided to take one of her son's pills. Unfortunately, she took the wrong one and it ended up making her super hyper to the point where she was up ALL NIGHT! So what does Peggy say to this (besides never, ever take someone else's medication), she said it was nice to finally have some time to get things done! So I hope Peggy wins because